Managing your cPanel account might mean you have to change the primary domain sometimes. Using WHM (Web Host Manager) makes this easier. Whether you're new or have experience, this guide helps you through. By following our easy steps, you can handle domain changes without affecting your web hosting services.
This article covers how to get ready, including making backups and registering a new domain. We'll also explain how to adjust DNS settings and configure email settings. It's important to plan well to keep your hosting running smoothly. By the end, you'll know how to change your cPanel account's primary domain through WHM. This makes managing your domain simpler and more efficient.
Preparing to Change Your Primary Domain
Getting ready to change your primary domain in cPanel needs careful planning for a smooth shift. Follow this step-by-step guide.
- Backup Your Data: Before you start, make a full backup of your cPanel account. This includes your site files, databases, and emails. Having a backup means you can restore your account if something goes wrong.
- Register Your New Domain: Make sure your new domain is registered with a trusted registrar. Check that it's set up to point to your hosting's nameservers. This reduces downtime during the switch.
- Notify Stakeholders: Tell your team and customers about the change beforehand. Clear communication helps avoid confusion or problems.
- SEO Considerations: A new domain name might affect your site's ranking on search engines. To limit this, use a 301 redirect from your old domain to the new one. This maintains your site's SEO value based on Google's advice.
Other key points include:
- Email Accounts: Emails linked to your old domain will move to the new one. Be sure to check these accounts after the change.
- Subdomains: Any subdomains will also be updated. It's vital to reconfigure them as needed after the change.
- SSL Certificates: Secure your new domain with SSL certificates. Also, enabling HTTPS for safe communication is advised. Make sure you have the certificates for these updates.
cPanel always requires a primary domain, even if not in use. By following these steps, you get an email confirmation of the change. Such careful planning ensures a smooth domain change and prevents problems.
How to Change The Primary Domain On A Cpanel Account
Changing the primary domain on a cPanel account needs careful steps. First, you start by accessing WHM (Web Host Manager) using your root credentials. This guide will help you through adjusting account settings, changing DNS, and updating email setups.
- Accessing WHM: Sign into WHM with your root login. Head over to the 'Account Functions' area to find domain management options. This is key for any changes you want to make.
- Modify Account Settings: Find 'Modify an Account' in WHM. Enter the new primary domain name here. This updates the cPanel account's main domain correctly.
- Adjust DNS and Email Settings: With the primary domain changed, you must update DNS records. This ensures everything from subdomains to emails work right. Keep all email accounts linked to the new domain to prevent issues.
Remember, changing the primary domain might impact SEO ranks. To reduce this, set up a 301 redirect, so search engines know about the change. Always back up your account before these changes to avoid losing data.
Emails and subdomains tied to the old domain will switch to the new one automatically. This keeps services running smoothly but double-check to confirm all settings in cPanel are right.
For shared hosting users, the AMP (Account Management Panel) allows domain changes too. This is another path depending on your hosting. Allanux Web helps a lot with this, making the switch easier.
To keep your site working well and friendly to search engines, follow these steps and tips carefully. Starting with WHM access guides the process smoothly.
Conclusion
Changing your main domain on cPanel through WHM is vital for your online impact. By following the steps in this article, you can change domains with little downtime. It's crucial to follow all steps and domain management rules to keep your online services stable and professional.
After you change the domain, checking the update details is key. Make sure your website and email work well. It's important to keep an eye on your domain and update it when needed to avoid online problems. Rebuilding configuration files and refreshing caches are important steps in this process.
Allanux Web offers reliable hosting tailored to your needs, including shared, WordPress, or reseller hosting. Their strong hosting platforms help your domain management and online operations run smoothly. Choose Allanux Web for expert hosting that supports your business's online success.
FAQ
What should I do before changing my primary domain?
Before you change your primary domain, it's essential to back up your cPanel. This includes website files, databases, and emails. Also, make sure to register your new domain. Check that it points to your host's nameservers properly.
How do I access WHM to change my primary domain?
Log in to WHM using your root credentials. Then, head to the 'Account Functions' section. There you'll find how to manage domain settings.
What changes do I need to make in WHM to update my primary domain?
In WHM, go to 'Modify an Account'. Enter your new primary domain there. This updates the domain linked to your cPanel.
Do I need to adjust DNS records after changing my primary domain?
Yes, after changing your primary domain, update your DNS records. Adjust subdomains, email routes, and other DNS settings as needed.
How can I ensure there is minimal downtime during the domain switch?
To reduce downtime, have your new domain set up and ready. Switch it in WHM then quickly update DNS and email settings.
What should I do if my email accounts are not working after changing the primary domain?
Check that your email settings are correct for the new domain. Update email routes and check DNS records for any errors.
Is it possible to revert to my old domain if something goes wrong?
If you've made a backup of your cPanel, reverting is possible. This lets you switch back to your old domain if needed.
How do I verify that my website and email are working correctly after the domain change?
After changing your domain, keep checking your site and email. Make sure everything works well, with no broken links or email issues.
Why should I back up my data before changing the primary domain?
Backing up data secures a way to restore your account if there's trouble during the change. It's vital for keeping your online presence intact, safeguarding website files, databases, and emails.
